Evaluation of a multischool collaborative COVID-19 vaccination project

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Public Health
• Vaccinology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated rapid vaccine deployment.
• Multischool collaborations were essential for effective public health responses.
• Student nurses and faculty played a crucial role in vaccine delivery initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the experiences of student nurses and faculty involved in COVID-19 vaccine delivery.
• To evaluate the process and outcomes of a multischool nursing collaboration for vaccine administration.
• To understand the impact of participation on students' clinical skills, perspectives, and career choices.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey design was employed.
• Surveys were administered online to student nurses and faculty from five university nursing schools.
• Participants documented their process and outcome experiences related to COVID-19 vaccination events in 2021.

Main Results:

• Students reported enhanced clinical skills, increased passion for nursing, and informed career choices.
• Faculty gained public health knowledge, felt a deeper connection with students, and experienced personal satisfaction.
• Few students reported challenges, indicating a positive participation experience for most.

Conclusions:

• The collaborative COVID-19 vaccine delivery project provided meaningful learning opportunities for students.
• The initiative enhanced public health emergency response capacity and strengthened academic-community partnerships.
• Participation positively impacted student nurses' professional development and faculty engagement in public health initiatives.